Software developers can become quite attached to the keyboards they use to bang out code all day. Here are some models that have significant coder followings

People who develop software for a living obviously spend a lot of time at their computers typing, writing and refactoring code. It’s not surprising, then, that programmers often develop affinities for specific models of keyboards. Some of them like ergonomic models to reduce repetitive strain injuries, while others prefer keyboards with blank keys to encourage touch-typing and yet others choose a keyboard with good tactile (and audible) feedback. Whatever their reasons, developers will often demonstrate their love for a particular keyboard by sticking with it long after it’s out of production. Based on discussions in numerous forums, ITworld has compiled 11 models of keyboards that seem to be particularly popular with the programming population.

What people like about it: Its Cherry mechanical keys, which are backlit with LED lights (available in different colors) that can be individually brightened or dimmed, or lit using a number of backlighting modes. Both full-sized and compact (82 key) versions are available. Also known for being very durable.

Quotes: “I like the keyboard from Deck. Specifically, the small form factor. It looks cool and it feels nice to type on.” spong

“It is also the only keyboard in its class that is backlit, if that's your bag.” Jeff Atwood

“The Deck is built for ‘gamer’ abuse, so they're extremely durable. The Deck is backlit ... so you can see what you're hacking on even with the lights off at 2AM in the morning.” Ken Jennings

“Nice action, really solidly built and glows blue - what more could you want?” John McC

What people like about it: The buckling spring key design provides a satisfying tactile and audible feedback. Its keycaps are switchable, to allow different keyboard layouts, and it’s extremely durable.

Quotes: “If you like keyboards which have a really solid response, and an audible click with each keypress go with the IBM Model M.“ Daniel C. Silverstein

“Built like a tank. I can type for hours on this thing without the impact-pain commonly caused by softer, lesser keyboards.” Shog9

“... the most important benefit...fewer typos. Because it is so much easier to type on, I make fewer mistakes.” AppDevGuy

What people like about it: The ergonomic layout with common non-letter keys placed centrally helps to reduce repetitive stress injuries and pain. Its keys can be reprogrammed and it can easily be switched between QWERTY and Dvorak.

Quotes: “The Kinesis is curved for your fingers, it has built-in rests for your wrists (get the pads), and the fact that the thumb is actually used, rather than a glorified spacebar-pusher, really helps distribute the work.” heptadecagram

“I swap Backspace with Control and Delete with Alt, making all those keyboard shortcuts so easy to type.” kevin cline

“My wrists stopped working for awhile, and this saved my career. I love it.” Dean J

What people like about it: Having the keys in straight vertical columns, instead of staggered, helps to reduce hand movement and repetitive stress, as does having the Enter and Backspace keys within reach of index fingers, instead of thumbs. The small size also reduces movement required to reach the mouse.

Quotes: “The buttons in a grid instead of offset which makes it easier to type.” Maudite

What people like about it: Popular among Apple fans for its slim profile, aluminum case and MacBook-like key layout. Some programmers also prefer its compactness (it has no numerical keypad) and caps-lock prevention mechanism.

Quotes: “They key separation by the aluminum faceplate on the new Apple keyboard is absolutely incredible for preventing fat-finger errors. I highly recommend it, no matter what operating system is being used.” haploid

“It feels like a laptop keyboard. You don't have to exert much force on the keys to press them. So it should be healthier for your hands and wrists.” dehmann

What people like about it: It’s an inexpensive, no-frills, lightweight, compact 104-key USB keyboard, with traditional key placements and no macros or media keys. Keys are also spring loaded for tactile feedback, yet also very quiet.

Quotes: “I find it to be a joy to type on, everything is where it belongs and its not this large chunk of plastic.” Tanerax

“What else is great about the L-100, is the cheap cost. A great product.” polemon

“This is the best keyboard I have ever used. It is THE keyboard every coder should have.” vedarthk